Solar & Electric Vehicle Charging
Looking to make your rooftop solar system power your electric vehicle?
Solar & Electric Vehicle(EV) Charging
Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) operate using electricity stored in rechargeable batteries to power their electric motors. Charging these vehicles involves connecting them to EV chargers. Combining an electric vehicle with solar panels and a battery storage system can significantly lower charging expenses, reduce commuting costs, and substantially decrease your environmental impact. Popular electric vehicle brands like Tesla, Kia, and Rivian provide even greater advantages when integrated with a solar power setup.
What are the different types of EV Chargers?
Level 1 Chargers
Level 1 chargers plug directly into standard 120-volt household outlets. These chargers offer the slowest charging rates, adding roughly 4 to 6 miles of driving range per hour. They are suitable for overnight charging, smaller battery EVs, or scenarios where installing more powerful chargers isn't practical.
Level 2 Chargers
Level 2 chargers are the most widely-used home and business charging solutions. These chargers utilize 240-volt outlets, similar to those powering household clothes dryers. Level 2 units deliver between 10 and 30 miles of range per hour, depending on the charger and the vehicle. Installation typically requires a certified electrician. Costs for chargers range from $500 to $750, with installation generally adding another $500 to $1,000. Level 2 chargers provide convenient, faster charging ideal for longer commutes, larger battery EVs, or quicker home charging needs.
Level 3 DC Fast Chargers
DC fast chargers offer significantly quicker charging, capable of delivering over 100 miles of range per hour. However, their installation demands robust electrical infrastructure, resulting in higher costs. Typically used along major transport routes or commercial charging stations, Level 3 chargers are uncommon for residential or small business applications.
How do I know what EV Charger I need?
Most Level 2 chargers use the J1772, or universal connector, compatible with almost all major electric vehicles except Tesla, which uses the North American Charging Standard (NACS). Tesla owners can easily use an inexpensive adapter for universal charging ports. Tesla’s Supercharger network dominates fast charging infrastructure, and by 2025, major automakers and charging station providers will widely adopt NACS.
What are EV Charging Times at home?
Charging duration varies significantly based on battery capacity and charger type:
- Level 1 (120V): Adds 4-6 miles of range per charging hour.
- Level 2 (240V): Adds 10-30 miles of range per charging hour.
- Level 3 DC Fast Charger: Typically adds around 80-100 miles of range per hour.
Examples:
- A Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid with a 33-mile electric range can fully recharge in approximately 5-6 hours using a Level 1 charger or 1-1.5 hours using a Level 2 charger.
- A Tesla Model 3 Standard Range with a 250-mile range achieves 80% battery capacity in roughly 6 hours using a Level 2 charger or around 1 hour with a Level 3 fast charger.
Battery charging speeds can vary depending on vehicle specifics and battery conditions; often, charging from 40% to 80% is quicker than charging from 0% to 40%.
Should I install an EV Charger?
EV chargers are compact, requiring minimal installation space, and can be conveniently set up in garages, driveways, or mounted on freestanding pedestals near homes. Professional installation ensures proper electrical connections and safety standards. Install
How much solar do I need for an electric vehicle?
The solar panel capacity required for charging your EV depends primarily on annual driving mileage:
- 3,500 miles/year = 1 kW solar system
- 7,000 miles/year = 2 kW solar system
- 10,500 miles/year = 3 kW solar system
- 14,000 miles/year = 4 kW solar system
- 17,500 miles/year = 5 kW solar system
- 21,000 miles/year = 6 kW solar system
These guidelines serve as initial estimates to help determine the appropriate solar installation size for your specific EV charging needs. If you have questions about switching to solar for your electric vehicle, please contact our team.
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Why choose National Solar?
17 years of experience
With 17 years of experience, we’ve installed thousands of systems across the Pacific Northwest, earning the trust of local families.
100% In-house team
From design to permitting and installation, our expert team takes care of every step, ensuring a seamless process and top-tier craftsmanship.
Energy Trust of Oregon Trade Ally Contractor
Save money switching to solar with Energy Trust, Oregon State & Federal incentives while they last.
Solar Incentives
Last updated June 13, 2025 at 11:00am
Energy Trust of Oregon Incentives
National Solar is proud to be an Energy Trust of Oregon Trade Ally Contractor since 2009. Take advantage of the incentives below by partnering with a Trade Ally.
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Federal Tax Credit
The Most of our customers qualify for the 30% U.S. Federal Tax Credit (ITC). A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in the income taxes that a person or company would otherwise pay the federal government. The ITC is based on the amount of investment in solar property. We always recommend consulting your tax professional for your specific situation.
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How do I claim the Solar Federal Tax Credit?
To claim the federal solar tax credit, you will fill out form 5695 when doing your federal taxes. If you get a system through National Solar you receive a binder manual that includes last years 5695 form and more information on how to claim your tax credit as well as information on your system. Want to see a draft from the IRS now? View the IRS Form 5695 here.
Solar: Net Metering
Oregon’s net metering law allows all utility customers to generate their own electricity and reduce their electricity bills. If you install a solar electric system, your utility will come to your site and switch out your existing utility meter for a bidirectional “net” meter (there is no charge for the new meter). This meter keeps track of the power you acquire from the utility and what you supply to the grid. Each month, the power you use from your utility is offset by the power you send to the utility. You are only charged for the difference or the “net.”
How does net metering work?
If you generate more power than you use in a given month, your electric bill will have no kilowatt-hour charges, and you will only have to pay the basic utility service charges. The surplus energy will generate kilowatt-hour credits that will be applied to your future electric bills. Unused credits will accumulate in your Portland General Electric or Pacific Power account. This means credits accumulated during sunny summer months, especially in Central Oregon, can be applied to charges during Oregon’s cloudy winter months. Some of the energy companies in the State of Oregon offer net metering:
- Portland General Electric (PGE): PGE provides a net metering program where customers can balance the electricity they use from PGE with the energy they send back from their power-generating systems.
- Pacific Power: Pacific Power offers net metering options for its customers, allowing them to receive credits for excess energy generated by their renewable systems.
- Central Electric Cooperative (CEC): CEC members who generate their own electricity using solar, wind, fuel cells, or hydroelectric power can interconnect with CEC's electric grid through a net metering agreement.
- Douglas Electric Cooperative: Douglas Electric Cooperative offers net metering services to its members, enabling them to offset their energy consumption with self-generated renewable energy.
EWEB Solar Incentives & Net Metering
The following net metered and direct generation rates are effective February 2025.
For net metering, excess energy generated by solar customers that exceeds their own consumption will be credited to their bill at the 2025 Annual Renewable Net-Metered Rate of $0.0710 per kWh (down from $0.1045 in 2024).
For direct generation, energy generated and sold directly to EWEB will be purchased at the 2025 Annual Renewable Generation Purchase Rate (Purchased Power and RECs) of $0.0768 per kWh (down from $0.1102 in 2024).
These rates decreased from 2024 because energy prices in the broader market went down. Since EWEB's solar rates are currently based on these market prices, they fluctuate and can be highly volatile.
You can learn more about EWEB's current solar rates here.
Salem Electric Solar Incentives & Net Metering
Salem Electric (SE) supports members in adopting renewable energy by offering financial incentives for qualifying solar systems and a robust net metering program. If you're a Salem Electric customer, these benefits can help make going solar more affordable.
Solar Incentives from Salem Electric
Salem Electric provides the following incentives for solar systems:
- $300 per kW installed for qualifying systems (maximum incentive: $1,500).
- Incentives cannot exceed 50% of the total project cost and are subject to fund availability.
This program applies to net-metered solar systems with a nameplate capacity of 25 kW or less that comply with SE’s Net Metering Policy.
Net Metering with Salem Electric
Salem Electric offers a net metering program for its members, allowing them to generate electricity and receive credits for the excess energy sent back to the grid. Credits earned from surplus energy can offset your energy costs during months when solar production is lower.
You can learn more about Salem Electric's Solar Information here.
Have more questions about incentives?
Request an Estimate from National Solar to get started, we will answer all of your questions and verify your eligibility to see which incentives you qualify for.